Ever thought about starting up your own mobile mechanic business? Franchise and independent shops out number mobile repair shops greatly. Mobile repair is a valuable service to offer consumers, especially since COVID-19 hit. Offering consumers the option to not have to deal with the hassle of dropping off a vehicle and getting alternate transportation is very attractive. Below we will address a few of the challenges this business presents and explain how you can be successful despite major obstacles.
Inadequate Equipment & Weather
- Tools and Equipment – Being unable to carry all of your necessary tools and equipment, like a lift or hoist can become a challenge. This will mean many of the more complicated and large jobs such as engine replacement will not be something you can offer on a mobile basis, logically.
- Parts – Parts can become a challenge if additional ones are needed after an initial diagnosis, sometimes leading to you have to return another day to complete the repair.
- Location – Not all customers will have the best setup. Some parking lots or office areas may not even allow you to repair the vehicle on their property at all.
- Weather – In-climate weather makes outdoor repair jobs miserable and even have to be rescheduled.
Insurance, Licensing and Safety Concerns
- Mobile auto repair insurance can be costly, and as so many do not even carry it. Don’t make this costly mistake.
- Working solo is not always the safest
- Poor weather can also be a safety concern
- Leaks or spills of fluids can be hazardous if not properly cleaned up
- Florida auto repair shops MUST be state licensed with the Division of Consumer Services.
Read more about starting your repair business legally here.
Cost
- Customers may not be willing to pay extra for the convenience of house-calls
- Many customers may believe your rates should be cheaper since they don’t have the shop overhead. Mobile repair however can often take longer, as the work environment is not always ideal.
Mobile auto repair is best suited for basic diagnostics, maintenance and smaller repair jobs. Jobs that are better suited with a lift or specialty tools unable to be carried on a small trailer and portable, should be referred to a local shop.
We spoke with Scott, owner of Kraken Automotive After Hours Mobile Auto Repair, about how they run their successful mobile auto repair business. Scott stated that ” our services can be less expensive that the average repair shop or dealer, our technician as well as our partners are held to the highest industry standards. We also offer convenient online booking. Being mobile and conducting the repair work at your customer’s home requires you to be extremely professional and mindful of your workspace. This means leaving no mess and keeping the customer updated in a timely manner.”
We asked what his secrets to success are, below are his top 4:
- Transparent Pricing
- Good relationships with multiple parts houses and vendors
- A team to help you manage bookings and ordering parts (in his case, his co-owner & wife as well as his adult children)
- Extended availability, such as evenings and weekends (this is their specialty, as they are after hours)
Accelerate Your Business
- Charging Flat Fees: You will attract more customers by offering a flat repair cost for routine services.
- Be aware of labor costs: many fail due to inefficient labor management. Choose any staff carefullt and make sure they are to your quality standards before they start work.
- Automate Processes: Improve your speed and efficiency as well as profitability when using repair related tools that suit your business. This gives you more time to improve your business in other ways. Some tools include: Square Marketing, Auto Labor Experts and Identifix.
- Reward Loyal Customer: Offer a small discount in your labor rate or free service call. You could even offer a special deal during the holidays just for them.
- Provide a Guarantee: Service is always a way to build trust with your customers. A guarantee means you are confident in your skills.
- Digital and Social Presence: Actively participate in review sites and forums. You can even try writing a vehicle repair blog.
- Be female friendly: The auto repair industry is dominated by mostly males. Therefore femal customers can be reliuctant to take a vehicle in for service. Show that your company is able to communicate repair issues in laymen’s terms and make your female customers feel comfortable.
- Partner up with other local businesses: Reach out to other local area businesses and offer to become one of their preferred mobile mechanics, this includes local car dealers that don’t offer repair service OR don’t repair vehicles outside of their brand normally.
Final Thoughts
Running any business comes with its share of headaches. Making a profit does not come easy. Ensure you structure your business that will take you in the path of long-term success. Keep up with the latest industry trends and grow your service offerings. By implementing some of the above that are best suited for your business, you’ll get positive results with your efforts, however be open to change up your route when needed.